Vinyl polymer powder, thermoplastic resin composition, and molded body thereof

ABSTRACT

This vinyl polymer powder, which contains a vinyl polymer, has a glass transition temperature of at least 0° C. (where if there are a plurality of glass transition points, all of the glass transition temperatures are at least 0° C.), has no greater than 350 ppm of the total content of magnesium ions, calcium ions, aluminum ions, barium ions, and zinc ions, has no greater than 100 ppm of the content of ammonium ions, has an acid number of no greater than 2.5 mgKOH/g, and has a bulk density of 0.10-0.60 g/cm 3 .

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a vinyl polymer powder, a resincomposition containing the same, and a molded body thereof.

The present application claims priority based on Japanese PatentApplication No. 2014-058378, filed Mar. 20, 2014, and the contents ofthe application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND ART

Engineering plastics are excellent in mechanical properties, heatresistance, electrical properties, and the like, and have been used invarious applications such as electrical/electronic equipment, homeelectrical appliances, and OA equipment. In recent years, in theseapplications, a molded body has become increasingly larger, thinner andmore complex in shape, and thus, there is a demand for improvement inmolding processability.

Melt flowability, melt tension, or the like is mentioned as an indicatorof molding processability of the engineering plastic. When meltflowability is high, it is easy to obtain a molded body having a largesize and/or a thin thickness at the time of injection molding. When melttension is high, molding defects such as jetting at the time ofinjection molding and drawdown at the time of blow molding or vacuummolding are less likely to occur.

As the method of improving melt flowability at the time of moldingprocess without impairing excellent properties (mechanical properties,heat resistance, and the like) of the engineering plastic, methods areproposed in which a powder prepared by coagulating a copolymer, which isobtained by subjecting an aromatic vinyl monomer and a phenylmethacrylate to emulsion polymerization, or a powder prepared bycoagulating a copolymer, which is obtained by subjecting styrene andphenyl methacrylate to emulsion polymerization, in the presence of acopolymer, which is obtained by subjecting α-methyl styrene, styrene,and phenyl methacrylate to emulsion polymerization, is blended, as aflowability improver, in a polycarbonate resin serving as an engineeringplastic (Patent Documents 1 and 2).

In addition, as the method of improving melt tension of the engineeringplastic and preventing drawdown at the time of molding, methods areproposed in which a powder prepared by coagulating ahigh-molecular-weight acrylic polymer, which is polymerized by emulsionpolymerization, is blended, as a melt tension improver, in anengineering plastic (Patent Documents 3 and 4).

However, since these flowability improver and melt tension improver havea high glass transition temperature, when a latex obtainable by emulsionpolymerization is coagulated and a polymer powder is recovered,atomization of the powder or solidification failure is likely to occur.As a result, there is possibility that the powder flowability or thebulk density of the obtained powder is decreased, and thus a problemarises in improvement of powder property.

In addition, when a resin composition containing the flowabilityimprover or the melt tension improver described above is molded at hightemperature in order to achieve high melt flowability, there is aconcern that foreign substances remaining in the flowability improver orthe melt tension improver impair the appearance, the mechanicalstrength, or the like of the molded body. From this reason, in the resincomposition, there is also a strong demand for improvement in thermalstability at high-temperature molding.

CITATION LIST Patent Document

Patent Document 1: WO 2005/030819 A

Patent Document 2: WO 2009/113573 A Patent Document 3: JP 2000-63652 APatent Document 4: JP 63-99263 A

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Problem to be Solved by the Invention

An object of the invention is to provide a vinyl polymer powder which ismixed with an engineering plastic so that a resin composition havingexcellent molding processability and high thermal stability at the timeof high-temperature molding can be obtained and which is also excellentin the powder property.

Another object of the invention is to provide a thermoplastic resincomposition having excellent molding processability and high thermalstability at the time of high-temperature molding and a molded bodyusing the same.

Means for Solving Problem

The above-described problems are solved by the following inventions [1]to [14].

-   [1] A vinyl polymer powder containing a vinyl polymer, in which a    glass transition temperature of the vinyl polymer is 0° C. or higher    (provided that, when there are a plurality of glass transition    points, all of the glass transition temperatures are 0° C. or    higher), the total content of magnesium ions, calcium ions, aluminum    ions, barium ions, and zinc ions is 350 ppm or less with respect to    the total mass of the vinyl polymer powder, the content of ammonium    ions is 100 ppm or less with respect to the total mass of the vinyl    polymer powder, an acid value is 2.5 mgKOH/g or less, and a bulk    density is 0.10 to 0.60 g/cm³.-   [2] The vinyl polymer powder described in [1], in which free flow    property as measured by the following method is 15 g/10 sec or more.

[Measurement Method for Free Flow Property]

A measurement instrument, which includes a seat on which a tray is set,a funnel provided with a shutter at a cylindrical opening thereof, asupport holding the funnel above the seat, and a support rod to whichthe support is fixed, is placed in a horizontal site. The shutter of thefunnel is closed, and 120 cm³ of powder is uniformly put into thefunnel. Subsequently, the shutter is opened to drop the powder, andimmediately, the tray is set on the seat. At the same time of settingthe tray, the counting of time starts by using a stopwatch, and after 10seconds, the tray is removed from the measurement instrument. The traycontaining the powder is weighed to obtain the amount of the powderdropped for 10 seconds. The above measurement is carried out two times,and an average value of the amounts of the powder dropped for 10 secondsis obtained and this value is designated as the free flow property (g/10sec).

-   [3] The vinyl polymer powder described in [1] or [2], in which the    total content of sodium ions and potassium ions is 100 ppm or less    with respect to the total mass of the vinyl polymer powder.-   [4] The vinyl polymer powder described in any one of [1] to [3], in    which the vinyl polymer contains a (meth)acrylate ester unit which    contains an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or an aromatic    group in an ester moiety.-   [5] The vinyl polymer powder described in any one of [1] to [4], in    which 0.5 to 99.5% by mass of an aromatic vinyl monomer unit is    contained in the total mass of the monomer unit that constitutes the    vinyl polymer.-   [6] The vinyl polymer powder described in any one of [1] to [5], in    which a mass average molecular weight of the vinyl polymer is 5,000    to 20,000,000.-   [7] The vinyl polymer powder described in any one of [1] to [6], in    which a mass average molecular weight of the vinyl polymer is 5,000    to 200,000.-   [8] A thermoplastic resin composition containing: 70 to 99.9% by    mass of an engineering plastic; and 0.1 to 30% by mass of the vinyl    polymer powder described in any one of [1] to [7].-   [9] The thermoplastic resin composition described in [8], in which    the engineering plastic is at least one resin selected from    polyamide, polyester, and polycarbonate.-   [10] A molded body being formed by molding the thermoplastic resin    composition described in [8] or [9].-   [11] A vinyl polymer powder containing: 0.5 to 99.5% by mass of a    (meth)acrylate ester unit which contains an alkyl group having 1 to    4 carbon atoms or an aromatic group in an ester moiety; 0.5 to 99.5%    by mass of an aromatic vinyl monomer unit; and a vinyl polymer    having a glass transition temperature of 0° C. or higher (provided    that, when there are a plurality of glass transition points, all of    the glass transition temperatures are 0° C. or higher), in which the    vinyl polymer powder satisfies the following Conditions [1] and [2].

Condition [1]

A bulk density as measured according to JIS K6720 is 0.30 to 0.60 g/cm³.

Condition [2]

Free flow property as measured by the following method is 15 g/10 sec ormore.

[Measurement Method for Free Flow Property]

A measurement instrument, which includes a seat on which a tray is set,a funnel provided with a shutter at a cylindrical opening thereof, asupport holding the funnel above the seat, and a support rod to whichthe support is fixed, is placed in a horizontal site. The shutter of thefunnel is closed, and 120 cm³ of powder is uniformly put into thefunnel. Subsequently, the shutter is opened to drop the powder, andimmediately, the tray is set on the seat. At the same time of settingthe tray, the counting of time starts by using a stopwatch, and after 10seconds, the tray is removed from the measurement instrument. The traycontaining the powder is weighed to obtain the amount of the powderdropped for 10 seconds. The above measurement is carried out two times,and an average value of the amounts of the powder dropped for 10 secondsis obtained and this value is designated as the free flow property (g/10sec).

-   [12] A method for producing a vinyl polymer powder, the method    including the following Step (1) and Step (2).-   Step (1): a step of obtaining a vinyl polymer latex having a glass    transition temperature of 0° C. or higher (provided that, when there    are a plurality of glass transition points, all of the glass    transition temperatures are 0° C. or higher) by subjecting a vinyl    monomer to emulsion polymerization in the presence of a    non-ionic/anionic emulsifier.-   Step (2): a step of preparing a slurry having a pH of 6 or less by    coagulating the vinyl polymer latex, then generating a precipitate,    and recovering the precipitate as a vinyl polymer powder.-   [13] The method for producing a vinyl polymer powder described in    [12], in which an ionic hydrophilic moiety of the non-ionic/anionic    emulsifier is carboxylic acid or a salt thereof, or phosphoric acid    or a salt thereof.-   [14] The method for producing a vinyl polymer powder described in    [12], in which the vinyl polymer latex is coagulated using an acid    in Step (2).-   [15] The method for producing a vinyl polymer powder described in    [12], in which a pH of the slurry in Step (2) is 4 or less.

Effect of the Invention

According to the invention, it is possible to provide a vinyl polymerpowder which is mixed with an engineering plastic so that a resincomposition having excellent molding processability and high thermalstability at the time of high-temperature molding can be obtained andwhich is also excellent in powder property. In addition, it is possibleto provide a thermoplastic resin composition having excellent moldingprocessability and high thermal stability at the time ofhigh-temperature molding and a molded body using the same.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a measurement instrument to be used in evaluation offree flow property.

MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described in detail.

[Vinyl Polymer Powder]

A vinyl polymer powder in a first embodiment of the invention is a vinylpolymer powder containing a vinyl polymer, in which a glass transitiontemperature of the vinyl polymer is 0° C. or higher, the total contentof magnesium ions, calcium ions, aluminum ions, barium ions, and zincions is 350 ppm or less with respect to the total mass of the vinylpolymer powder, the content of ammonium ions is 100 ppm or less withrespect to the total mass of the vinyl polymer powder, an acid value is2.5 mgKOH/g or less, and a bulk density is 0.10 to 0.60 g/cm³.

[Glass Transition Temperature]

The vinyl polymer in the first embodiment of the invention has a glasstransition temperature of 0° C. or higher. When the glass transitiontemperature of the vinyl polymer is 0° C. or higher, the heat distortiontemperature of a resin composition mixed with an engineering plastic isdifficult to decrease. From the above point of view, the glasstransition temperature of the vinyl polymer is preferably 30° C. orhigher, more preferably 60° C. or higher, still more preferably 70° C.or higher, particularly preferably 80° C. or higher, and most preferably90° C. or higher. In addition, from the viewpoint that the powder iseasily recovered, the glass transition temperature of the vinyl polymeris preferably 200° C. or lower, more preferably 150° C. or lower, andstill more preferably 120° C. or lower. Specifically, the glasstransition temperature of the vinyl polymer is preferably 30 to 150° C.and more preferably 60 to 120° C.

In the invention, the glass transition temperature can be measured bythe following method.

The glass transition temperature of the polymer is measured using adifferential scanning calorimeter (DSC) (model name “DSC6200”manufactured by Seiko Instruments Inc.) according to JIS K7121. Thenumerical value of the extrapolated glass transition initiatingtemperature is used as the glass transition temperature.

The glass transition temperature of the vinyl polymer can beappropriately controlled by a commonly used method. For example, theglass transition temperature of the vinyl polymer can be controlledwithin a desired range by properly selecting the type of the monomercomponent used for polymerization, the composition ratio of monomercomponents that constitute the polymer, and the molecular weight of thepolymer, and the like.

In order to obtain a vinyl polymer having a glass transition temperatureof 0° C. or higher, it is sufficient only to polymerize a monomermixture containing a monomer having a homopolymer glass transitiontemperature of 0° C. or higher. The homopolymer glass transitiontemperature may be a standard analysis value described in “POLYMERHANDBOOK” published by Wiley, or the like.

The glass transition temperature of the vinyl polymer is generallydetermined by the composition ratio of the monomer component thatconstitutes the polymer; however, the glass transition temperature ofthe vinyl polymer also varies depending on the molecular weight of thepolymer. Specifically, as the molecular weight of the polymer is higher,the glass transition temperature becomes higher, and as the molecularweight is lower, the glass transition temperature becomes lower.

[Metal Ions]

The total content of magnesium ions, calcium ions, aluminum ions, bariumions, and zinc ions contained in the vinyl polymer powder in the firstembodiment of the invention is 350 ppm or less with respect to the totalmass of the vinyl polymer powder. When the total content of the metalions contained in the vinyl polymer powder is high, at the time of beingblended in an engineering plastic, particularly, polyester andpolycarbonate, the metal ions are extruded and then catalyticallydecompose the resin by, for example, heat and/or moisture at the time ofmolding, and thus thermal stability at the time of high-temperaturemolding is deteriorated.

From the above-described point of view, the total content of magnesiumions, calcium ions, aluminum ions, barium ions, and zinc ions containedin the vinyl polymer powder is preferably 100 ppm or less, morepreferably 50 ppm or less, still more preferably 25 ppm or less, andmost preferably 10 ppm or less, with respect to the total mass of thevinyl polymer powder.

Further, the total content of sodium ions and potassium ions containedin the vinyl polymer powder of the invention is preferably 100 ppm orless, more preferably 50 ppm or less, still more preferably 40 ppm orless, and particularly preferably 30 ppm or less, with respect to thetotal mass of the vinyl polymer powder. When the sum of sodium ions andpotassium ions in the vinyl polymer powder is 100 ppm or less, thermalstability at the time of high-temperature molding a resin compositionblended in an engineering plastic, particularly, polyester andpolycarbonate, is excellent.

The content of the metal ions in the vinyl polymer powder can bemeasured by the following method.

First, 1 g of a sample is measured in a platinum dish, subjected to dryincineration using an electric heater, and dissolved with hydrochloricacid and distilled water, and the resultant solution is diluted to 50 mlby distilled water to serve as a test solution. To this test solution,an ICP emission spectrometer (model name “IRIS Intrepid II XSP”manufactured by Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.) is used to quantify theamount of metal ions.

[Ammonium Ions]

The content of the ammonium ions contained in the vinyl polymer powderin the first embodiment of the invention is 100 ppm or less with respectto the total mass of the vinyl polymer powder. When the total contentsof the ammonium ions contained in the vinyl polymer powder is high, atthe time of being blended in an engineering plastic, particularly,polyester and polycarbonate, the ammonium ions are extruded and thencatalytically decompose the resin by, for example, heat and/or moistureat the time of molding, and thus thermal stability at the time ofhigh-temperature molding is deteriorated.

From the above point of view, the content of the ammonium ions ispreferably 10 ppm or less.

The content of the ammonium ions in the vinyl polymer powder can bemeasured by the following method.

A sample is pulverized and then weighed in a measuring flask. Distilledwater is added thereto and the resultant mixture is subjected toultrasonic treatment to extract ammonium ions. The extracted ammoniumions are quantified with an ion chromatographic analyzer (model name“IC-2010” manufactured by Tosoh Corporation).

[Acid Value]

The acid value of the vinyl polymer powder in the first embodiment ofthe invention is 2.5 mgKOH/g or less. When the acid value of the vinylpolymer powder is higher than a defined value, at the time of beingblended in an engineering plastic, particularly, polyester andpolycarbonate, the vinyl polymer powder catalytically decomposes theresin by, for example, heat and/or moisture, and thus thermal stabilityat the time of high-temperature molding is deteriorated. From the abovepoint of view, the acid value of the vinyl polymer powder is preferably2.0 mgKOH/g or less. More specifically, the acid value is preferably 0to 2.5 mgKOH/g and more preferably 0 to 2.0 mgKOH/g.

The acid value of the vinyl polymer powder can be measured by thefollowing method, for example.

10 g of a vinyl polymer powder sample is added to 30 ml of toluene, andthe resultant mixture is stirred at room temperature and completelydissolved. After the mixture is dissolved, 40 ml of a mixed solution oftoluene/ethanol=50/50% by volume is added thereto to dilute the mixture.The obtained vinyl polymer solution is titrated with an ethanolicpotassium hydroxide solution to pH 12. A solvent is not particularlylimited as long as it can dissolve the vinyl polymer powder, andexamples thereof include dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide,dimethylacetamide, N-methylpyrrolidone, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone,cyclohexanone, xylene, toluene, chlorobenzene, benzene, cresol,chloroform, dichloromethane, diethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, dioxane,ethanol, butanol, isopropanol, hexane, heptane, cyclohexane, ethylacetate, acetonitrile, and water. Further, these solvents may be usedsingly or in combination of two or more kinds thereof.

The vinyl polymer powder in which the total content of magnesium ions,calcium ions, aluminum ions, barium ions, and zinc ions is 350 ppm orless, the content of ammonium ions is 100 ppm or less, and the acidvalue is 2.5 mgKOH/g or less is obtained in such a manner that a vinylmonomer is polymerized by emulsion polymerization, miniemulsionpolymerization, fine suspension polymerization, or the like, and in acase where the emulsion of the obtained polymer is recovered as apowder, foreign substances remaining in the powder are reduced. As theabove-described method, for example, there are mentioned a method inwhich a slurry having a pH of 6 or less by coagulating a latex of apolymer obtained by subjecting a vinyl monomer to emulsionpolymerization in the presence of a non-ionic/anionic emulsifier isprepared and the precipitated vinyl polymer is recovered as a powder, amethod in which the used amount of an auxiliary material used forpolymerization of a vinyl monomer and powder recovery is reduced, and amethod in which a vinyl polymer powder is washed with a large amount ofwater and/or a solvent. Incidentally, the term “auxiliary material”means a raw material other than the vinyl monomer to be used inproduction of the vinyl polymer powder. Among these methods, from theviewpoint of having excellent industrial productivity, it is preferableto employ a method in which a slurry having a pH of 6 or less bycoagulating a latex of a polymer obtained by subjecting a vinyl monomerto emulsion polymerization in the presence of a non-ionic/anionicemulsifier is prepared and the precipitated vinyl polymer is recoveredas a powder.

[Bulk Density]

The bulk density of the vinyl polymer powder in the first embodiment ofthe invention is 0.10 to 0.60 g/cm³. When the bulk density of the vinylpolymer powder is 0.10 g/cm³ or more, excellent powder handling propertyis achieved. From the above point of view, the bulk density of the vinylpolymer powder is preferably 0.20 g/cm³ or more and more preferably 0.30g/cm³ or more. Specifically, the bulk density is preferably 0.20 to 0.60g/cm³ and more preferably 0.30 to 0.60 g/cm³.

In the invention, the bulk density of the vinyl polymer powder indicatesa value measured according to JIS K6720 after 0.1 g of zeolite powder ismixed with about 120 cm³ of a sample.

[Free Flow Property]

The free flow property of the vinyl polymer powder in the firstembodiment of the invention is preferably 15 g/10 sec or more. When thefree flow property is 15 g/10 sec or more, excellent powder handlingproperty is achieved. From the above point of view, the free flowproperty of the vinyl polymer powder is more preferably 20 g/10 sec ormore.

Specifically, the free flow property is preferably 15 to 60 g/10 sec andmore preferably 20 to 60 g/10 sec.

In the invention, the free flow property of the vinyl polymer powderrefers to the free flow property obtained by the following measurementmethod.

FIG. 1 illustrates a measurement instrument used for evaluation of freeflow property. This measurement instrument includes a seat 41 on which atray 40 is set, a funnel 43 provided with a shutter 42 at thecylindrical opening thereof, a support 44 holding the funnel 43 abovethe seat 41, and a support rod 45 to which the support 44 is fixed. Theshutter 42 enables the cylindrical opening of the funnel 43 to be openedand closed and is designed such that when the shutter 42 is opened, thepowder in the funnel 43 is dropped on the tray 40. The support rod 45 isdisposed perpendicularly to the seat 41 and is designed to hold thesupport 44 such that the support 44 is disposed horizontally to the seat41. Herein, the inner diameter of the upper part of the cylindricalopening in the funnel 43 is 8 mm, the inner diameter of the lower partof the cylindrical opening in the funnel 43 is 20 mm, and the angle ofthe side surface of the opening of the funnel 43 is 20° . The distancefrom the upper part of the cylindrical opening in the funnel to the tray40 is 38 mm. The evaluation of free flow property using this measurementinstrument is carried out as follows.

First, the measurement instrument is placed in a horizontal site, theshutter 42 of the funnel 43 is closed, and 120 cm³ of powder isuniformly put into the funnel 43. Subsequently, the shutter is opened todrop the powder, and immediately, the tray 40 in which the tare (theweight of the tray 40 in an empty state) has been measured in advance isset on the seat 41. At the same time of setting the tray 40, thecounting of time starts by using a stopwatch, and after 10 seconds, thetray 40 is removed from the measurement instrument. The tray containingthe powder is weighed to obtain the amount (unit: g) of the powderdropped from the funnel onto the tray for 10 seconds. The abovemeasurement is carried out two times, and an average value of theamounts of the powder dropped for 10 seconds is obtained and this valueis designated as the free flow property (g/10 sec).

[Powder Particle Diameter]

In order to increase the bulk density and the free flow of the vinylpolymer powder containing a vinyl polymer having a glass transitiontemperature of 0° C. or higher (provided that, when there are aplurality of glass transition points, all of the glass transitiontemperatures are 0° C. or higher), the content of fine powder containedin the vinyl polymer powder is preferably small. Specifically, thecontent of a component, which has a particle diameter of 38 μm or less,contained in the vinyl polymer powder is preferably 0 to 15% by mass andmore preferably 0 to 10% by mass.

Incidentally, the content of the component, which has a particlediameter of 38 μm or less, can be measured by the following method.

After 10 mg of zeolite powder is mixed with 2 g of a sample, theparticle size distribution is measured using a continuous sonic sievingmeasurement instrument (model name “Robot Sifter RPS-95” manufactured bySEI SHIN ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.). At this time, a total of eight meshes of#20, #32, #42, #60, #100, #150, #250, and #400 are used, and a componentpassing through a mesh of #400 is designated as the component having aparticle diameter of 38 μm or less.

As the method of reducing the content of the component, which has aparticle diameter of 38 μm or less, contained in the vinyl polymerpowder containing a vinyl polymer having a glass transition temperatureof 0° C. or higher (provided that, when there are a plurality of glasstransition points, all of the glass transition temperatures are 0° C. orhigher), for example, there are mentioned a method in which a slurryhaving a pH of 6 or less by coagulating a latex of a polymer obtained bysubjecting a vinyl monomer to emulsion polymerization in the presence ofa non-ionic/anionic emulsifier is prepared and the precipitated vinylpolymer is recovered as a powder, and a method in which a vinyl polymerpowder is sieved to remove the component having a particle diameter of38 μm or less. Of these methods, from the viewpoint of having excellentindustrial productivity, it is preferable to employ a method in which aslurry having a pH of 6 or less by coagulating a latex of a polymerobtained by subjecting a vinyl monomer to emulsion polymerization in thepresence of a non-ionic/anionic emulsifier is prepared and theprecipitated vinyl polymer is recovered as a powder.

[Mass Average Molecular Weight]

The mass average molecular weight of the vinyl polymer in the firstembodiment of the invention is preferably 5,000 to 20,000,000.

When the vinyl polymer powder is blended, as a flowability improver, inan engineering plastic, if the mass average molecular weight of thevinyl polymer is 5,000 or more, mechanical properties are difficult toimpair, and if the mass average molecular weight is 20,000,000 or less,excellent melt flowability is achieved. From the above point of view,the mass average molecular weight of the vinyl polymer is preferably5,000 to 200,000, more preferably 10,000 to 150,000, still morepreferably 15,000 to 100,000, particularly preferably 20,000 to 100,000,and most preferably 30,000 to 75,000.

In addition, when the vinyl polymer powder is blended, as a melt tensionimprover, in an engineering plastic, if the mass average molecularweight of the vinyl polymer is 200,000 or more, excellent melt tensionis achieved, and if the mass average molecular weight is 20,000,000 orless, the engineering plastic and the vinyl polymer are easily meltedand kneaded. From the above point of view, the mass average molecularweight of the vinyl polymer is preferably 200,000 to 20,000,000, morepreferably 200,000 to 10,000,000, and still more preferably 500,000 to5,000,000.

Incidentally, the mass average molecular weight can be measured by gelpermeation chromatography in terms of polystyrene.

[Polymerization]

The vinyl polymer powder in the first embodiment of the invention isproduced by, for example, polymerizing a vinyl monomer capable ofradical polymerization, and then recovering the latex of the obtainedvinyl polymer as a powder.

As the polymerization method for the vinyl polymer, in terms of easilycontrolling the composition distribution of the polymer and the particlemorphology, emulsion polymerization, miniemulsion polymerization, orfine suspension polymerization is preferable, and emulsionpolymerization is more preferable.

The polymerization method is not particularly limited, and one-steppolymerization, two-step polymerization, multi-stage polymerization, orthe like can be employed. For example, the vinyl monomer is divided intoa first vinyl monomer and a second vinyl monomer. First, the first vinylmonomer is subjected to emulsion polymerization to obtain apre-copolymer, and then the first vinyl monomer may be subjected toemulsion polymerization in the presence of the pre-copolymer.

[Vinyl Monomer]

In the invention, the vinyl polymer can be obtained by polymerizing avinyl monomer.

In any of a case where the vinyl polymer powder is used as a flowabilityimprover and a case where the vinyl polymer powder is used as a melttension improver, the vinyl polymer preferably contains a (meth)acrylateester unit which contains an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms oran aromatic group in an ester moiety, from the viewpoint ofdispersibility of the vinyl polymer powder, which is obtainable, in anengineering plastic, particularly, polyester and polycarbonate.Incidentally, in the present specification, the term “(meth)acrylicacid” refers to either or both of an acrylic acid in which a hydrogenatom is bonded at the α-position and a methacrylic acid in which amethyl group is bonded at the α-position. The term “(meth)acrylic acidester” refers to either or both of an acrylic acid ester in which ahydrogen atom is bonded at the α-position and a methacrylic acid esterin which a methyl group is bonded at the α-position. The term“(meth)acrylate” refers to either or both of an acrylate in which ahydrogen atom is bonded at the α-position and a methacrylate in which amethyl group is bonded at the α-position.

As a monomer that is a raw material of the (meth)acrylate ester unit,which contains an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms in an estermoiety, for example, the following examples are mentioned. Examplesthereof include methyl (meth)acrylate, ethyl (meth)acrylate, propyl(meth)acrylate, and butyl (meth)acrylate. The alkyl group may be linearor branched. These monomers may be used singly or in combination of twoor more kinds thereof. Among these, from the viewpoint of dispersibilityof the vinyl polymer powder, which is obtainable, in an engineeringplastic, particularly, polyester and polycarbonate, as the alkyl groupof the ester moiety, it is preferable to have an alkyl group having 1 to2 carbon atoms (methyl group or ethyl group) and more preferable to havean alkyl group having one carbon atom (methyl group). In addition, fromthe viewpoint of easily increasing the glass transition temperature ofthe vinyl polymer, which is obtainable, a methacrylic acid ester ispreferably used.

As a (meth)acrylic acid ester having an aromatic group in an estermoiety, for example, the following examples are mentioned. Examplesthereof include phenyl (meth)acrylate, 4-t-butylphenyl (meth)acrylate,bromophenyl (meth)acrylate, dibromophenyl (meth)acrylate,2,4,6-tribromophenyl (meth)acrylate, monochlorophenyl (meth)acrylate,dichlorophenyl (meth)acrylate, trichlorophenyl (meth)acrylate, benzyl(meth)acrylate, and naphthyl (meth)acrylate. Among these, from theviewpoint of dispersibility of the vinyl polymer powder, which isobtainable, in an engineering plastic, particularly, polyester andpolycarbonate, phenyl (meth)acrylate, benzyl (meth)acrylate, or naphthyl(meth)acrylate is preferable, and phenyl (meth)acrylate or naphthyl(meth)acrylate is more preferable. In addition, from the viewpoint ofeasily increasing the glass transition temperature of the vinyl polymer,which is obtainable, a methacrylic acid ester is preferably used. Amongthese, from the viewpoint of dispersibility of the vinyl polymer powder,which is obtainable, in an engineering plastic, particularly, polyesterand polycarbonate, the number of carbon atoms that constitute anaromatic ring contained in the aromatic group of the ester moiety ispreferably 6 to 10.

When the vinyl polymer powder is used as a flowability improver, thecontent of the (meth)acrylate ester unit containing an alkyl grouphaving 1 to 4 carbon atoms or an aromatic group in an ester moiety ispreferably 0.5 to 99.5% by mass, more preferably 5 to 70% by mass, andstill more preferably 10 to 50% by mass in the total mass of the entiremonomer unit that constitutes the vinyl polymer. When the content of the(meth)acrylate ester unit containing an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbonatoms or an aromatic group in an ester moiety is 0.5% by mass or more,the vinyl polymer powder, which is obtainable, is excellent indispersibility in an engineering plastic, particularly, polyester andpolycarbonate, and as a result, a molded body, which is obtainable, isexcellent in appearance. In addition, when the content thereof is 99.5%by mass or less, excellent melt flowability is achieved.

When the vinyl polymer powder is used as a melt tension improver, thecontent of the (meth)acrylate ester unit containing an alkyl grouphaving 1 to 4 carbon atoms or an aromatic group in an ester moiety ispreferably 0.5 to 100% by mass and more preferably 50 to 100% by mass inthe total mass of the entire monomer unit that constitutes the vinylpolymer. When the content of the (meth)acrylate ester unit containing analkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or an aromatic group in an estermoiety is 0.5% by mass or more, the vinyl polymer powder, which isobtainable, is excellent in dispersibility in an engineering plastic,particularly, polyester and polycarbonate, and as a result, excellentmelt tension improvement effect and excellent appearance of a moldedbody are achieved.

When the vinyl polymer powder is used as a flowability improver, thevinyl polymer preferably contains an aromatic vinyl monomer unit.

As a monomer that is a raw material of the aromatic vinyl monomer unit,for example, the following examples are mentioned. Examples thereofinclude styrene, α-methyl styrene, p-methyl styrene, p-t-butyl styrene,p-methoxy styrene, o-methoxy styrene, 2,4-dimethyl styrene,chlorostyrene, bromostyrene, vinyltoluene, vinylnaphthalene,vinylanthracene, and divinylbenzene. These monomers may be used singlyor in combination of two or more kinds thereof. Among these, from theviewpoint of easily increase the polymerization rate of the vinylpolymer and the glass transition temperature, styrene, α-methyl styrene,p-methyl styrene, or p-t-butyl styrene is preferable, and styrene orα-methyl styrene is more preferable.

When the vinyl polymer powder is used as a flowability improver, thecontent of the aromatic vinyl monomer unit is preferably 0.5 to 99.5% bymass, more preferably 30 to 95% by mass, and still more preferably 50 to90% by mass in the total mass of the entire monomer unit thatconstitutes the vinyl polymer. When the content of the aromatic vinylmonomer unit is 0.5% by mass or more, a resin composition obtained byblending the vinyl polymer powder, which is obtainable, in anengineering plastic, particularly, polyester and polycarbonate, isexcellent in melt flowability, and when the content thereof is 99.5% bymass or less, a molded body, which is obtainable, is excellent inappearance.

When the vinyl polymer powder is used as a melt tension improver, thecontent of the aromatic vinyl monomer unit is preferably 0 to 99.5% bymass and more preferably 0 to 50% by mass in the total mass of theentire monomer unit that constitutes the vinyl polymer. The contentthereof is still more preferably more than 0% by mass but 99.5% by massor less and particularly preferably more than 0% by mass but 50% by massor less. When the content of the aromatic vinyl monomer unit is morethan 0%, excellent thermal stability at the time of molding process whenthe vinyl polymer powder, which is obtainable, is blended in anengineering plastic is achieved. In addition, when the content thereofis 99.5% by mass or less, excellent dispersibility in an engineeringplastic, particularly, polyester and polycarbonate, is achieved, and asa result, excellent melt tension improvement effect and excellentappearance of a molded body are achieved.

[Other Components]

The vinyl polymer may contain other monomer units, as necessary.

A monomer that is a raw material of other monomer components is notparticularly limited as long as it is a vinyl monomer capable of radicalpolymerization, and for example, the following examples are mentioned.Examples thereof include a (meth)acrylic acid ester, which has an alkylgroup not having 1 to 4 carbon atoms in an ester moiety, such as n-hexyl(meth)acrylate, cyclohexyl (meth)acrylate, n-octyl (meth)acrylate,2-ethylhexyl (meth)acrylate, dodecyl (meth)acrylate, stearyl(meth)acrylate, or isobornyl (meth)acrylate; a carboxyl group-containingmonomer such as (meth)acrylic acid or carboxyethyl (meth)acrylate; ahydroxyl group-containing monomer such as 2-hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylateor hydroxypropyl (meth)acrylate; a vinyl cyanide monomer such as(meth)acrylonitrile; a vinyl ether monomer such as vinyl methyl ether orvinyl ethyl ether; a vinyl carboxylate monomer such as vinyl benzoate,vinyl acetate, or vinyl butyrate; a (meth)acrylate having a reactivefunctional group such as glycidyl (meth)acrylate, allyl (meth)acrylate,1,3-butylene di(meth)acrylate, ethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, orpolybutylene glycol di(meth)acrylate; and an olefin such as ethylene,propylene, or butylene. These other monomers may be used singly or incombination of two or more kinds thereof.

In the case of using other monomers, the content of the other monomerunit is preferably 0 to 20% by mass in the total mass of the entiremonomer unit that constitutes the vinyl polymer. When the content of theother monomer unit is 0 to 20% by mass, the vinyl polymer powder, whichis obtainable, is less likely to inhibit the object of the invention.

The vinyl monomer is preferably a combination of styrene and phenylmethacrylate; a combination of styrene, α-methyl styrene, phenylmethacrylate, methyl methacrylate, and allyl methacrylate; a combinationof styrene, α-methyl styrene, methyl methacrylate, and allylmethacrylate; a combination of styrene, α-methyl styrene, phenylmethacrylate, methyl methacrylate, n-butyl acrylate, and allylmethacrylate; and a combination of methyl methacrylate and n-butylacrylate.

In addition, when the polymerization reaction is two-steppolymerization, the first vinyl monomer is preferably a combination ofstyrene, α-methyl styrene, and phenyl methacrylate; and a combination ofstyrene, α-methyl styrene, and methyl methacrylate.

The second vinyl monomer is preferably a combination of styrene, phenylmethacrylate, methyl methacrylate, and allyl methacrylate; a combinationof styrene, methyl methacrylate, and allyl methacryl ate; and acombination of styrene, phenyl methacrylate, methyl methacrylate,n-butyl acrylate, and allyl methacrylate.

A polymerization initiator to be used in polymerization of the vinylmonomer is not particularly limited, and a known polymerizationinitiator can be used. Examples thereof include a persulfate, an organicperoxide, an azo initiator, a redox-based initiator as a combination ofa persulfate and a reducing agent, and a redox-based initiator as acombination of an organic peroxide and a reducing agent. Thesepolymerization initiators may be used singly or in combination of two ormore kinds thereof. In addition, a method for adding a polymerizationinitiator to a reaction vessel is not particularly limited, and thepolymerization initiator may be added all at once or separately.

In polymerization for obtaining the vinyl polymer in the firstembodiment of the invention, as necessary, a chain transfer agent may beused.

Examples of the chain transfer agent include mercaptans such asn-dodecyl mercaptan, t-dodecyl mercaptan, n-octyl mercaptan, t-octylmercaptan, n-tetradecyl mercaptan, n-hexyl mercaptan, and n-butylmercaptan; halogen compounds such as carbon tetrachloride and ethylenebromide; and α-styrene dimer. These chain transfer agents may be usedsingly or in combination of two or more kinds thereof.

[Emulsifier]

Examples of an emulsifier to be used in emulsion polymerization of thevinyl monomer include anionic emulsifiers, non-ionic emulsifiers,non-ionic/anionic emulsifiers, and polymeric emulsifiers. Among these,non-ionic/anionic emulsifiers are preferably used. Incidentally, in theinvention, the term “non-ionic/anionic emulsifier” refers to anemulsifier having a non-ionic hydrophilic moiety and an anionichydrophilic moiety (ionic hydrophilic moiety) in the same molecule.

When the latex containing the vinyl polymer is coagulated, a traceamount of the emulsifier remains, as an acid or a salt, in the vinylpolymer powder, and there is a concern that, when the vinyl polymerpowder is blended in an engineering plastic, particularly, polyester andpolycarbonate, the resin is decomposed. When a large amount of theemulsifier remains, as an acid, in the vinyl polymer powder, the acidvalue of the vinyl polymer powder is increased. When a large amount ofthe emulsifier remains, as a salt, in the vinyl polymer powder, metalions in the vinyl polymer powder are increased. Since thenon-ionic/anionic emulsifier can maintain water solubility to someextent by the non-ionic hydrophilic moiety even when hydrophilicity ofthe anionic hydrophilic moiety is decreased by coagulation of the vinylpolymer latex, the non-ionic/anionic emulsifier is easily washed at thetime of coagulation and is less likely to remain in the vinyl polymerpowder.

Further, the latex obtained by polymerizing the vinyl monomer in thepresence of the non-ionic/anionic emulsifier is easily coagulated andeasily enhances the bulk density and the free flow property of thepowder, which is preferable.

The anionic hydrophilic moiety (ionic hydrophilic moiety) of thenon-ionic/anionic emulsifier is preferably phosphoric acid (phosphoricacid group) or a salt thereof, or carboxylic acid (carboxyl group) or asalt thereof, from the viewpoint of easily decreasing the acid value ofthe vinyl polymer powder, which is obtainable.

Examples of the non-ionic/anionic emulsifier of which the anionichydrophilic moiety is carboxylic acid or a salt thereof includepolyoxyethylene alkyl ether acetate. Herein, the number of carbon atomsof the alkyl group is preferably 4 to 20 and more preferably 8 to 20.The average addition molar number of ethylene oxide is preferably 1 to12 and more preferably 3 to 12. These emulsifiers may be used in an acidform or in a salt form of sodium salt or potassium salt. Specifically,sodium polyoxyethylene (4.5) lauryl ether acetate is mentioned.Incidentally, in a case where the term “polyoxyethylene (X)” isdescribed in the present specification, X refers to the average additionmolar number of ethylene oxide.

Examples of the non-ionic/anionic emulsifier of which the anionichydrophilic moiety is phosphoric acid or a salt thereof includepolyoxyethylene phenyl ether phosphate, polyoxyethylene alkyl phenylether phosphate, and polyoxyethylene alkyl ether phosphate. Herein, thenumber of carbon atoms of the alkyl group is preferably 4 to 20 and morepreferably 8 to 20. The average addition molar number of ethylene oxideis preferably 1 to 12 and more preferably 3 to 12. These emulsifiers maybe used in an acid form or in a salt form of sodium salt or potassiumsalt. Specifically, sodium polyoxyethylene (6) alkyl ether phosphate ismentioned.

Examples of the non-ionic/anionic emulsifier of which the anionichydrophilic moiety is phosphoric acid or a salt thereof, or carboxylicacid or a salt thereof include polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate.

Examples of the anionic emulsifier include sulfonates such as sodiumdodecylsulfonate, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, and sodium dialkylsulfosuccinate; fatty acid salts such as potassium oleate and sodiumstearate; and alkyl phosphate salts.

Examples of the non-ionic emulsifier include polyoxyalkylene alkylether, polyoxyethylene alkylene alkyl ether, polyoxyethylenedistyrenated phenyl ether, polyoxyethylene tribenzyl phenyl ether,sorbitan fatty acid ester, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester,and polyoxyethylene fatty acid ester.

Examples of the polymeric emulsifier include polymer carbonates.

The emulsifiers described above may be used singly or in combination oftwo or more kinds thereof.

The used amount of the emulsifier is not particularly limited, but theused amount is preferably 0.1 to 20 parts by mass, more preferably 0.1to 10 parts by mass, and still more preferably 0.1 to 5 parts by masswith respect to 100 parts by mass of the vinyl monomer. When the usedamount of the emulsifier is 0.1 part by mass or more, excellent emulsionstability is achieved, and when the used amount is 20 parts by mass orless, coagulation is easily performed.

[Powder Recovery]

The vinyl polymer powder in the first embodiment of the invention isobtained by, for example, recovering a vinyl polymer latex as a powder.

As the method of powdering the vinyl polymer latex, a known powderingmethod can be used. For example, a coagulation method and a spray dryingmethod are mentioned. Of these methods, as compared to the spray dryingmethod, the coagulation method is preferable since the emulsifier isless likely to remain in the vinyl polymer powder.

As the coagulation method of the vinyl polymer latex of the invention,for example, a method is mentioned in which the latex is brought incontact with a hot water in which a coagulation agent is dissolved, aslurry is formed by coagulation under stirring, and then the generatedprecipitate is dehydrated and dried. Examples of the coagulation agentinclude acids and salts. The temperature of the hot water is preferably(the glass transition temperature of the vinyl polymer −25° C.) to (theglass transition temperature of the vinyl polymer +25° C.). When thetemperature of the hot water is (the glass transition temperature of thevinyl polymer −25° C.) or higher, fine powder in the vinyl polymerpowder is less likely to increase. When the temperature of the hot wateris (the glass transition temperature of the vinyl polymer +25° C.) orlower, coarse particles excessively fused with vinyl polymer particlesare less likely to be generated.

At this time, when the coagulation agent is a calcium salt, a magnesiumsalt, an aluminum salt, a barium salt, or a zinc salt, the coagulationagent forms a hardly soluble salt along with the emulsifier, and a saltderived from the coagulation agent easily remains in the vinyl polymerpowder. As a result, since the decomposition of the resin is easilypromoted when the obtained vinyl polymer powder is blended in anengineering plastic, particularly, polyester and polycarbonate, it isnot preferable that the coagulation agent is salts described above. Inaddition, when the coagulation agent is a calcium salt, a magnesiumsalt, an aluminum salt, a barium salt, or a zinc salt, coagulation forceis weak and the powder property of the obtained vinyl polymer powder iseasily decreased. Therefore, as the coagulation agent, acids arepreferably used. Examples of the acid used for the coagulation agentinclude inorganic acids such as sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid,hydrofluoric acid, phosphoric acid, and nitric acid; and organic acidssuch as acid, acetic acid, and benzenesulfonate. Among them, in terms ofhaving strong acidity, sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid arepreferable.

The used amount of the coagulation agent is not particularly limited aslong as it is the used amount that can sufficiently induce coagulationfrom a latex, but the used amount is preferably 0.1 to 20 parts by mass,more preferably 0.1 to 10 parts by mass, and still more preferably 0.1to 5 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the resin solidcontent (100 parts by mass of the vinyl polymer) in the vinyl polymerlatex. When the used amount of the coagulation agent is 0.1 part by massor more, the powder recovery property of the vinyl polymer is favorable.When the used amount of the coagulation agent is 20 parts by mass orless, thermal stability at the time of high-temperature molding a resincomposition blended in an engineering plastic, particularly, polyesterand polycarbonate, is excellent.

The pH of the slurry obtained by coagulating the vinyl polymer latex ispreferably 6 or less, more preferably 4 or less, and still morepreferably 1 to 4. When the pH of the slurry is 6 or less, the anionichydrophilic moiety of the emulsifier is less likely to be in the stateof a metal salt, and the metal salt of the emulsifier is less likely toremain in the vinyl polymer powder, which is obtainable. As a result,when the vinyl polymer powder is blended in an engineering plastic,particularly, polyester and polycarbonate, the decomposition of theresin is less likely to promote.

The pH of the slurry may be adjusted by the type or amount of thecoagulation agent, or may be adjusted by adding an acid or a salt to thecoagulated slurry.

After obtaining the slurry, solidification may be performed. Thesolidification is a step of reducing voids of the precipitated particlesso that fracturing is less likely to occur. The temperature at the timeof solidification is preferably higher than the coagulation temperatureto (the coagulation temperature +40° C.) since the fine powder in thevinyl polymer powder is less likely to increase.

After the vinyl polymer powder is separated from the slurry, washingwith ion-exchanged water or the like, dehydrating, and drying may beperformed. By performing washing, the amount of impurities can becontrolled.

[Thermoplastic Resin Composition]

A thermoplastic resin composition in a second embodiment of theinvention contains the vinyl polymer in the first embodiment of theinvention and an engineering plastic. The engineering plastic used inthe thermoplastic resin composition in the second embodiment of theinvention is not particularly limited, but a known engineering plasticcan be used. As the engineering plastic, for example, the followingexamples are mentioned. Examples thereof include polyesters such aspolyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate; polyamidessuch as 6-nylon, 6,6-nylon, and polyphenylene terephthalamide;polycarbonate, syndiotactic polystyrene, polyarylate, polyphenyleneether, polyphenylene sulfide, polyether ketone, polyether ether ketone,polysulfone, polyethersulfone, polyamide-imide, polyetherimide, andpolyacetal. Among these, from the viewpoint of having high improvementeffect of molding processability, polyamide, polyester, or polycarbonateis preferable, polyester or polycarbonate is more preferable, andpolycarbonate is still more preferable.

A commercially available or synthetic engineering plastic may be used.Examples of the commercially available product include an aromaticpolycarbonate resin (product name: “Iupilon S-2000F”, manufactured byMitsubishi Engineering-Plastics Corporation, viscosity average molecularweight: 22,000) and an aromatic polycarbonate resin (product name:“lupilon S-3000F”, manufactured by Mitsubishi Engineering-PlasticsCorporation, viscosity average molecular weight: 21,000).

In the thermoplastic resin composition in the second embodiment of theinvention, the following resins can be blended in the range that doesnot impair excellent heat resistance, impact resistance, flameretardance, or the like inherent to the engineering plastic,specifically, in a range of 40% by mass or less with respect to 100% bymass of the resin composition. Examples of the resins include astyrene-based resin such as ABS, HIPS, PS, or PAS; an acrylic resin suchas polymethyl methacrylate; and a polyolefin-based resin such aspolyethylene or polypropylene. Specifically, the content of the resin ispreferably 0 to 40% by mass and more preferably 0 to 30% by mass withrespect to 100% by mass of the resin composition.

The blending ratio of the vinyl polymer powder and the engineeringplastic in the first embodiment of the invention may be appropriatelydetermined depending on desired physical properties or the like and isnot particularly limited; however, in order to obtain the improvementeffect of effective molding processability without a decrease inexcellent properties (mechanical properties, heat resistance, and thelike) of the engineering plastic, the vinyl polymer powder is blended inpreferably 0.1 to 30% by mass, more preferably 1 to 20% by mass, andstill more preferably 1 to 15% by mass with respect to 100% by mass ofthe resin composition. When the blended amount of the vinyl polymerpowder is 0.1% by mass or more, sufficient improvement effect of moldingprocessability is obtained. In addition, when the blended amount of thevinyl polymer powder is 30% by mass or less, the mechanical propertiesof the engineering plastic are less likely to be impaired.

The engineering plastic is blended in preferably 70 to 99.9% by mass,more preferably 80 to 99% by mass, and still more preferably 85 to 99%by mass with respect to 100% by mass of the resin composition.

Moreover, as necessary, a known additive can be blended in thethermoplastic resin composition in the second embodiment of theinvention in order to provide various functions to the molded body orimprove characteristics of the molded body. Examples of such an additiveinclude an antioxidant, a UV absorbent, a light stabilizer, amold-release agent, a lubricant, a slip agent, a colorant (a pigmentsuch as carbon black or titanium oxide, or a dye), a fluorescentwhitening agent, a light-storing pigment, a fluorescent dye, and anantistatic agent. Further, in order to increase the strength and therigidity of the molded body and to increase flame retardance, the moldedbody can contain a filler material such as talc, mica, calciumcarbonate, glass fiber, carbon fiber, or potassium titanate fiber.Moreover, in order to improve impact resistance, a rubber-like elastomerformed from a core-shell two-layer structure can be blended.

As a preferred combination of the vinyl polymer powder and theengineering plastic, it is preferable to use a combination ofpolycarbonate and at least one vinyl polymer powder selected from thegroup consisting of a vinyl polymer powder containing a unit derivedfrom styrene and phenyl methacrylate; a vinyl polymer powder containinga unit derived from styrene, α-methyl styrene, phenyl methacrylate,methyl methacrylate, and allyl methacrylate; a vinyl polymer powdercontaining a unit derived from styrene, α-methyl styrene, methylmethacrylate, and allyl methacrylate; a vinyl polymer powder containinga unit derived from styrene,α-methyl styrene, phenyl methacrylate,methyl methacrylate, n-butyl acrylate, and allyl methacrylate; and avinyl polymer powder containing a unit derived from methyl methacrylateand n-butyl acrylate.

The resin composition containing the vinyl polymer powder in the firstembodiment of the invention and an engineering plastic is prepared as apowder mixture or a melt-kneaded product. At this time, for example, aHenschel mixer, a Banbury mixer, a single-screw extruder, a twin-screwextruder, a double-roller mill, a kneader, a Brabender, or the like isused. In addition, a master batch in which a vinyl polymer powder havinga large content ratio of the vinyl polymer powder and the engineeringplastic are mixed is prepared in advance, and then the master batch andthe engineering plastic again are mixed so that a resin compositionhaving a desired composition can be also obtained. The temperature ofthe mixing and/or kneading is not particularly limited, but isappropriately selected and determined usually within a range of 240 to350° C.

[Molded Body]

A molded body in a third embodiment of the invention is obtained bymolding the above-described thermoplastic resin composition. Examples ofthe molding method include compression molding, transfer molding,injection molding, blow molding, extrusion molding, laminate molding,and calendar molding. The molding temperature of the resin composition(the temperature of the resin composition) is not particularly limited.As the molding temperature is higher, the resin composition is excellentin melt flowability. However, when the molding temperature is too high,the decomposition of the resin composition is promoted. Thus, themolding temperature is preferably 240 to 350° C.

The molded body in the third embodiment of the invention can be used inrepresentative fields such as the OA equipment field, theelectrical/electronic equipment field, and the building material field,and in a wide range of other fields.

EXAMPLES

Hereinafter, the invention will be described by means of Examples.First, before describing Examples, evaluation methods of Examples of avinyl polymer powder and a resin composition will be described.Incidentally, in the following description, the term “parts” means“parts by mass” and “%” means “% by mass, unless otherwise specified. Inaddition, all of vinyl polymer powders of Examples were allowed to passthrough a sieve having a mesh size of 2.4 mm to remove coarse powder andwere used for each evaluation.

[Mass Average Molecular Weight (Mw) and Number Average Molecular Weight(Mn)]

The mass average molecular weight (Mw) and the number average molecularweight (Mn) of the vinyl polymer were measured using gel permeationchromatography under the following conditions.

-   Apparatus: HLC8220 manufactured by Tosoh Corporation Column: TSKge1    SuperMultipore HZ-H (inner diameter 4.6 mm×length 15 cm×2 columns)    manufactured by Tosoh Corporation-   Temperature: 40° C.-   Carrier liquid: tetrahydrofuran-   Flow rate: 0.35 ml/min-   Sample concentration: 0.1%-   Sample injection amount: 10 μl-   Standard: polystyrene

[Glass Transition Temperature]

The glass transition temperature of the vinyl polymer was measured usinga differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) (model name “DSC6200”manufactured by Seiko Instruments Inc.) according to JIS K7121. Thenumerical value of the extrapolated glass transition initiatingtemperature was used as the glass transition temperature.

[Acid Value]

A vinyl polymer powder sample was added to toluene, and the resultantmixture was stirred at room temperature and completely dissolved. Afterthe mixture was dissolved, 40 ml of a mixed solution oftoluene/ethanol=50/50% by volume was added thereto to dilute themixture. The obtained vinyl polymer solution was titrated with anethanolic potassium hydroxide solution to pH 12. In Table 1, thedissolution condition of the vinyl polymer powder sample and theconcentration of the ethanolic potassium hydroxide solution used fortitration were collectively presented.

TABLE 1 Sample Toluene weight weight Ethanolic potassium hydroxide (g)(g) solution concentration (mol/l) Examples 1 to 9 10 30 0.5 ComparativeExamples 1 to 4 Examples 10 to 1 50 0.01 12

[Quantitative Determination of Metal Ions]

1 g of a sample was measured in a platinum dish, subjected to dryincineration using an electric heater, and dissolved with hydrochloricacid and distilled water, and the resultant solution was diluted to 50ml by distilled water to serve as a test solution. To this testsolution, an ICP emission spectrometer (model name “IRIS Interpid IIXSP” manufactured by Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.) was used to quantifythe amount of metal ions.

[Evaluation of Powder Property of Vinyl Polymer Powder]

(1) Bulk Density

After 0.1 g of zeolite powder was mixed with about 120 cm³ of the vinylpolymer powder, the bulk density was measured according to JIS K6720. Asthe bulk density is higher, excellent powder handling property isachieved.

(2) Free Flow Property

FIG. 1 illustrates a measurement instrument used for evaluation of freeflow property. This measurement instrument includes a seat 41 on which atray 40 is set, a funnel 43 provided with a shutter 42 at thecylindrical opening thereof, a support 44 holding the funnel 43 abovethe seat 41, and a support rod 45 to which the support 44 is fixed. Theevaluation of free flow property using this measurement instrument wascarried out as follows.

First, the measurement instrument was placed in a horizontal site, theshutter 42 of the funnel 43 was closed, and 120 cm³ of powder wasuniformly put into the funnel 43. Subsequently, the shutter was openedto drop the powder, and immediately, the tray 40 in which the tare hadbeen measured in advance was set on the seat 41. At the same time ofsetting the tray 40, the counting of time started by using a stopwatch,and after 10 seconds, the tray 40 was removed from the measurementinstrument. The tray containing the powder was weighed to obtain theamount of the powder dropped for 10 seconds. The above measurement wascarried out two times, and an average value of the amounts of the powderdropped for 10 seconds was obtained and this value was designated as thefree flow property (g/10 sec). As the free flow property is higher,excellent powder flowability is achieved.

[Evaluation of Thermal Stability of Resin Composition]

A pellet of a polycarbonate resin composition was used as the resincomposition.

This evaluation is evaluation of thermal stability of the resincomposition that is performed with the yellowness index (YI) value of aflat plate made from the resin composition, and it is determined thatthe resin composition in which ΔYI defined by the following equation issmall is excellent in thermal stability.

AYI=YI after retention−Initial YI

(1) Initial YI

The pellet was supplied to a 100 t injection molding machine (model name“SE-100DU”, manufactured by Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.) having acylinder temperature set to 320° C., and a flat plate having a length of100 mm, a width of 50 mm, and a thickness of 2 mm was obtained byinjection molding. Then, the YI value of the flat plate was measured andthis value was designated as the initial YI.

(2) YI after Retention

The pellet was supplied to a 100 t injection molding machine (model name“SE-100DU”, manufactured by Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.) having acylinder temperature set to 320° C., and a flat plate having a length of100 mm, a width of 50 mm, and a thickness of 2 mm was obtained byinjection molding after the pellet was retained in the cylinder for 30minutes. Then, the YI value of the flat plate was measured and thisvalue was designated as the YI after retention.

The YI value of flat plate was measured under the conditions of aC-light source and a viewing angle of 2° with a light-splittingcolorimeter (model name “SE2000” manufactured by NIPPON DENSHOKUINDUSTRIES CO., LTD.) according to JIS I(7105 by a transmitted-lightmeasurement method in the case of Examples 13 to 22 and ComparativeExamples 5 to 8 and by a reflected-light measurement method in the caseof Examples 23 to 25.

[Melt Flowability]

The melt flowability was evaluated by a spiral flow length of the resincomposition and measured by using an injection molding machine (modelname “SE-100 DU”, manufactured by Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.). Whenthe spiral flow length is longer, excellent melt flowability isachieved. Incidentally, as the molding conditions, a molding temperaturewas set to 320° C., a mold temperature was set to 80° C., a thickness ofa molded body to be obtained was set to 2 mm, and a width thereof wasset to 15 mm.

[Melt Tension]

The melt tension was measured in such a manner that a pellet of theresin composition was extruded in a constant amount (1.57 cm³/min) byusing a capillary rheometer (model name “Twin capillary rheometer ModelRH-7”, manufactured by ROSAND) under the conditions of a die diameter=φ1 mm, L/D=16, and a temperature of 280° C., and a strand was drawn outat a constant rate (10 m/min).

Examples 1 to 12 and Comparative Examples 1 to 4 Example 1

A separable flask (volume: 5 liters) equipped with a stirring blade, acondenser, a thermocouple, and a nitrogen inlet was charged with 1.0part of sodium polyoxyethylene (6) alkyl ether phosphate as anemulsifier and 294 parts of ion-exchanged water, and then the componentswere stirred under nitrogen gas flow at room temperature for 30 minutes.Incidentally, sodium polyoxyethylene (6) alkyl ether phosphate describedabove was used in the form of being dissolved in advance in a portion ofthe above ion-exchanged water.

Then, the temperature of the solution in the flask was increased to 60°C., and then a solution prepared by dissolving a mixture containing0.0001 part of ferrous sulfate, 0.0003 part of disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate, and 0.3 part of rongalite in 4 parts ofion-exchanged water was added to the flask. Further, a mixturecontaining 87.5 parts of styrene, 12.5 parts of phenyl methacrylate, 0.5part of n-octyl mercaptan, and 0.2 part of t-butyl hydroperoxide wasadded dropwise to the flask over 4.5 hours to perform radicalpolymerization. After the completion of dropwise addition, thetemperature of the solution in the flask was increased to 80° C., andthen the mixture was stirred for 1 hour while the temperature of thesolution was maintained at 80° C. to obtain a vinyl polymer latex. Thecontent of the vinyl polymer in this latex was 25%.

Then, a reaction vessel (volume: 40 liters) equipped with a stirringapparatus was charged with 280 parts of sulfuric acid aqueous solutioncontaining 2 parts of sulfuric acid as a coagulation agent, and thenthis aqueous solution was heated to a temperature of 90° C. Then, thelatex was slowly added dropwise to this aqueous solution under stirringsuch that the polymer was coagulated to obtain a slurry. Then, after thetemperature of this slurry was increased to 98° C., the slurry wasstirred for 5 minutes to perform solidification. Incidentally, the pH ofthe solidified slurry was 1.5. Subsequently, the obtained precipitatewas separated from the slurry, and then washing with 3000 parts ofion-exchanged water, dehydrating, and drying were performed to obtain100 parts of vinyl polymer powder (A-1).

Example 2

A vinyl polymer latex was obtained by performing polymerization in thesame manner as in Example 1, except that the emulsifier was changed to1.0 part of sodium polyoxyethylene (4.5) lauryl ether acetate.Subsequently, 100 parts of vinyl polymer powder (A-2) was obtained byperforming coagulation of the latex in the same manner as in Example 1,except that the coagulation agent was changed to 0.5 part of sulfuricacid. Incidentally, the pH of the solidified slurry at this time was2.2.

Example 3

A separable flask (volume: 5 liters) equipped with a stirring blade, acondenser, a thermocouple, and a nitrogen inlet was charged with 2.0parts of sodium polyoxyethylene (4.5) lauryl ether acetate as anemulsifier and 293 parts of ion-exchanged water, and then the componentswere stirred under nitrogen gas flow at room temperature for 30 minutes.Incidentally, sodium polyoxyethylene (4.5) lauryl ether acetatedescribed above was used in the form of being dissolved in advance in aportion of the above ion-exchanged water.

Then, the temperature of the solution in the flask was increased to 60°C., and then a solution prepared by dissolving a mixture containing0.0001 part of ferrous sulfate, 0.0003 part of disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate, and 0.3 part of rongalite in 4 parts ofion-exchanged water was added to the flask. Further, a mixturecontaining 30 parts of styrene, 10 parts of α-methyl styrene, 10 partsof phenyl methacrylate, 0.23 part of n-octyl mercaptan, and 0.1 part oft-butyl hydroperoxide was added dropwise to the flask over 4 hours toperform first radical polymerization. After the completion of dropwiseaddition of the first mixture, the mixture was stirred for 1 hour whilethe temperature of the solution in the flask was maintained at 60° C.,and then a mixture containing 20 parts of styrene, 14.88 parts of phenylmethacrylate, 14.88 parts of methyl methacrylate, 0.25 part of allylmethacrylate, 0.34 part of n-octyl mercaptan, and 0.1 part of t-butylhydroperoxide was added dropwise to the flask over 4 hours to performsecond radical polymerization. After the completion of dropwise additionof the second mixture, the temperature of the solution in the flask wasincreased to 80° C., and then the mixture was stirred for 1 hour whilethe temperature of the solution was maintained at 80° C. to obtain avinyl polymer latex. The content of the vinyl polymer in this latex was25%.

Subsequently, 100 parts of vinyl polymer powder (A-3) was obtained byperforming coagulation of the latex in the same manner as in Example 2.Incidentally, the pH of the solidified slurry at this time was 2.0.

Example 4

A vinyl polymer latex was obtained by performing polymerization in thesame manner as in Example 3, except that the emulsifier was changed to1.0 part of sodium polyoxyethylene (4.5) lauryl ether acetate, the firstmixture was changed to a mixture containing 30 parts of styrene, 10parts of α-methyl styrene, 10 parts of methyl methacrylate, 0.23 part ofn-octyl mercaptan, and 0.1 part of t-butyl hydroperoxide, and the secondmixture was changed to a mixture containing 20 parts of styrene, 29.75parts of methyl methacrylate, 0.25 part of allyl methacrylate, 0.34 partof n-octyl mercaptan, and 0.1 part of t-butyl hydroperoxide.Subsequently, 100 parts of vinyl polymer powder (A-4) was obtained byperforming coagulation of the latex in the same manner as in Example 2.Incidentally, the pH of the solidified slurry at this time was 2.1.

Example 5

A vinyl polymer latex was obtained by performing polymerization in thesame manner as in Example 3. Then, a reaction vessel (volume: 40 liters)equipped with a stirring apparatus was charged with 280 parts ofsulfuric acid aqueous solution containing 0.5 part of sulfuric acid as acoagulation agent, and then this aqueous solution was heated to atemperature of 90° C. Then, the latex was slowly added dropwise to thisaqueous solution under stirring such that the polymer was coagulated toobtain a slurry. Then, after the temperature of this slurry wasincreased to 90° C., the slurry was stirred for 5 minutes to performsolidification. Moreover, a 10% aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide wasadded to the solidified slurry until the pH reached 3.7. Subsequently,the obtained precipitate was separated from the slurry, and then washingwith 3000 parts of ion-exchanged water, dehydrating, and drying wereperformed to obtain 100 parts of vinyl polymer powder (A-5).

Example 6

A vinyl polymer latex was obtained by performing polymerization in thesame manner as in Example 2. Subsequently, 100 parts of vinyl polymerpowder (A-6) was obtained in the same manner as in Example 5, exceptthat a 10% aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide was added to thesolidified slurry until the pH reached 5.8.

Example 7

A vinyl polymer latex was obtained by performing polymerization in thesame manner as in Example 3, except that the second mixture was changedto a mixture containing 20 parts of styrene, 14.88 parts of phenylmethacrylate, 12.88 parts of methyl methacrylate, 2 parts of n-butylacrylate, 0.25 part of allyl methacrylate, 0.34 part of n-octylmercaptan, and 0.1 part of t-butyl hydroperoxide. Subsequently, 100parts of vinyl polymer powder (A-7) was obtained by performingcoagulation of the latex in the same manner as in Example 2.Incidentally, the pH of the solidified slurry at this time was 2.0.

Example 8

A vinyl polymer latex was obtained by performing polymerization in thesame manner as in Example 3, except that the second mixture was changedto a mixture containing 18.4 parts of styrene, 13.69 parts of phenylmethacrylate, 13.69 parts of methyl methacrylate, 4 parts of n-butylacrylate, 0.25 part of allyl methacrylate, 0.34 part of n-octylmercaptan, and 0.1 part of t-butyl hydroperoxide. Subsequently, 100parts of vinyl polymer powder (A-8) was obtained by performingcoagulation of the latex in the same manner as in Example 2, except thatthe coagulation temperature was changed to 85° C. and the solidificationtemperature was changed to 95° C. Incidentally, the pH of the solidifiedslurry at this time was 2.0.

Example 9

A vinyl polymer latex was obtained by performing polymerization in thesame manner as in Example 3, except that the second mixture was changedto a mixture containing 15.2 parts of styrene, 11.3 parts of phenylmethacrylate, 11.3 parts of methylmethacrylate, 12 parts of n-butylacrylate, 0.25 part of ally! methacrylate, 0.34 part of n-octylmercaptan, and 0.1 part of t-butyl hydroperoxide. Subsequently, 100parts of vinyl polymer powder (A-9) was obtained by performingcoagulation of the latex in the same manner as in Example 2, except thatthe coagulation temperature was changed to 65° C. and the solidificationtemperature was changed to 75° C. Incidentally, the pH of the solidifiedslurry at this time was 2.0.

Example 10

A separable flask (volume: 3 liters) equipped with a stirring blade, acondenser, a thermocouple, and a nitrogen inlet was charged with 1.0part of sodium polyoxyethylene (4.5) lauryl ether acetate as anemulsifier, 48 parts of methyl methacrylate, 2 parts of n-butylacrylate, 0.004 part of n-octyl mercaptan, and 223 parts ofion-exchanged water, and then the components were stirred under nitrogengas flow at room temperature for 30 minutes. Incidentally, sodiumpolyoxyethylene (4.5) lauryl ether acetate described above was used inthe form of being dissolved in advance in a portion of the aboveion-exchanged water.

Then, the temperature of the solution in the flask was increased to 45°C., and then a solution prepared by dissolving 0.15 part of potassiumpersulfate in 6 parts of ion-exchanged water was added thereto toinitiate radical polymerization. After the polymerization and heatgeneration, a mixture containing 44 parts of methyl methacrylate and 6parts of n-butyl acrylate was added dropwise to the flask over 2 hourswhile the temperature of the solution was maintained at 70° C. toperform radical polymerization. After the completion of dropwiseaddition, the mixture was stirred for 1 hour while the temperature ofthe solution was maintained at 70° C. to obtain a vinyl polymer latex.The content of the vinyl polymer in this latex was 30%.

Then, a reaction vessel (volume: 20 liters) equipped with a stirringapparatus was charged with 234 parts of sulfuric acid aqueous solutioncontaining 0.5 part of sulfuric acid as a coagulation agent, and thenthis aqueous solution was heated to a temperature of 90° C. Then, thelatex was slowly added dropwise to this aqueous solution under stirringsuch that the polymer was coagulated to obtain a slurry. Then, after thetemperature of this slurry was increased to 98° C., the slurry wasstirred for 5 minutes to perform solidification. Incidentally, the pH ofthe solidified slurry was 2.0. Subsequently, the obtained precipitatewas separated from the slurry, and then washing with 3000 parts ofion-exchanged water, dehydrating, and drying were performed to obtain100 parts of vinyl polymer powder (A-10).

Example 11

A separable flask (volume: 3 liters) equipped with a stirring blade, acondenser, a thermocouple, and a nitrogen inlet was charged with 1.0part of sodium polyoxyethylene (4.5) lauryl ether acetate as anemulsifier, 85 parts of methyl methacrylate, 15 parts of n-butylacrylate, and 223 parts of ion-exchanged water, and then the componentswere stirred under nitrogen gas flow at room temperature for 30 minutes.Incidentally, sodium polyoxyethylene (4.5) lauryl ether acetatedescribed above was used in the form of being dissolved in advance in aportion of the above ion-exchanged water.

Then, the temperature of the solution in the flask was increased to 45°C., and then a solution prepared by dissolving 0.15 part of potassiumpersulfate in 6 parts of ion-exchanged water was added thereto toinitiate radical polymerization. After the polymerization and heatgeneration, the mixture was stirred for 1 hour while the temperature ofthe solution was maintained at 70° C. to obtain a vinyl polymer latex.The content of the vinyl polymer in this latex was 30%.

Subsequently, 100 parts of vinyl polymer powder (A-11) was obtained byperforming coagulation of the latex in the same manner as in Example 10.Incidentally, the pH of the solidified slurry at this time was 2.0.

Example 12

A vinyl polymer latex was obtained by performing polymerization in thesame manner as in Example 11, except that the vinyl monomer mixture waschanged to a mixture containing 85 parts of methyl methacrylate, 15parts of n-butyl acrylate, and 0.03 part of n-octyl mercaptan.

Subsequently, a vinyl polymer powder (A-12) was obtained by performingcoagulation of the latex in the same manner as in Example 10.Incidentally, the pH of the solidified slurry at this time was 2.0.

Comparative Example 1

A vinyl polymer latex was obtained by performing polymerization in thesame manner as in Example 3. Subsequently, 100 parts of vinyl polymerpowder (A-13) was obtained by performing coagulation of the latex in thesame manner as in Example 3, except that the coagulation agent waschanged to 5.0 parts of calcium acetate. Incidentally, the pH of thesolidified slurry at this time was 6.5.

Comparative Example 2

A vinyl polymer latex was obtained by performing polymerization in thesame manner as in Example 1, except that the emulsifier was changed to1.0 part of dipotassium alkenylsuccinate. Subsequently, 100 parts ofvinyl polymer powder (A-14) was obtained by performing coagulation ofthe latex in the same manner as in Example 2. Incidentally, the pH ofthe solidified slurry at this time was 2.3.

Comparative Example 3

A vinyl polymer latex was obtained by performing polymerization in thesame manner as in Comparative Example 2. Subsequently, 100 parts ofvinyl polymer powder (A-15) was obtained by performing coagulation ofthe latex in the same manner as in Comparative Example 1. Incidentally,the pH of the solidified slurry at this time was 6.5.

Comparative Example 4

A vinyl polymer latex was obtained by performing polymerization in thesame manner as in Example 1, except that the emulsifier was changed to1.0 part of sodium alkyl diphenyl ether disulfonate. 1.5 parts ofaqueous dispersion of hindered phenol antioxidant (product name IrgastabMBS43EM (manufactured by Ciba JAPAN)) was added (as an effectivecomponent) to this vinyl polymer latex, and the mixture was stirred atnormal temperature. 100 parts of vinyl polymer powder (A-16) wasobtained by performing coagulation of the latex in the same manner as inComparative Example 1. Incidentally, the pH of the solidified slurry atthis time was 6.9.

The vinyl polymer powders produced in Examples 1 to 12 and ComparativeExamples 1 to 4 were collectively presented in Table 2A, Table 2B, Table3A, and Table 3B. Incidentally, the symbols described in Table 2A, Table2B, Table 3A, and Table 313 mean compounds described in Table 4. Theparts by mass of the emulsifiers in Table 2A and Table 2B are amountswith respect to 100 parts by mass of the vinyl monomer. In addition, theparts by mass of the coagulation agents are amounts with respect to 100parts by mass of the polymer in the latex.

TABLE 2A Production condition of latex Vinyl Emulsifier polymerComposition of vinyl monomer Part by powder % by mass Type mass Example1 A-1 St/PhMA Sodium polyoxyethylene (6) alkyl 1.0 87.5/12.5 etherphosphate Example 2 A-2 St/PhMA Sodium polyoxyethylene (4.5) 1.087.5/12.5 lauryl ether acetate Example 3 A-3St/αMeSt/PhMA←St/PhMA/MMA/AMA Sodium polyoxyethylene (4.5) 2.030/10/10←20/14.88/14.88/0.25 lauryl ether acetate Example 4 A-4St/αMeSt/MMA←St/MMA/AMA Sodium polyoxyethylene (4.5) 1.030/10/10←20/29.75/0.25 lauryl ether acetate Example 5 A-5St/αMeSt/PhMA←St/PhMA/MMA/AMA Sodium polyoxyethylene (4.5) 2.030/10/10←20/14.88/14.88/0.25 lauryl ether acetate Example 6 A-6 St/PhMASodium polyoxyethylene (4.5) 1.0 87.5/12.5 lauryl ether acetate Example7 A-7 St/αMeSt/PhMA←St/PhMA/MMA/BA/AMA Sodium polyoxyethylene (4.5) 2.030/10/10←20/14.88/12.88/2/0.25 lauryl ether acetate Example 8 A-8St/αMeSt/PhMA←St/PhMA/MMA/BA/AMA Sodium polyoxyethylene (4.5) 2.030/10/10←18.4/13.69/13.69/4/0.25 lauryl ether acetate Example 9 A-9St/αMeSt/PhMA←St/PhMA/MMA/BA/AMA Sodium polyoxyethylene (4.5) 2.030/10/10←15.2/11.3/11.3/12/0.25 lauryl ether acetate Coagulation agentGlass transition Part by Slurry temperature Acid value Type mass pH (°C.) (mgKOH/g) Example 1 Sulfuric 2.0 1.5 97 0.6 acid Example 2 Sulfuric0.5 2.2 94 1.0 acid Example 3 Sulfuric 0.5 2.0 95 1.9 acid Example 4Sulfuric 0.5 2.1 98 1.1 acid Example 5 Sulfuric 0.5 3.7 96 1.8 acidExample 6 Sulfuric 0.5 5.8 95 1.1 acid Example 7 Sulfuric 0.5 2.0 89 2.1acid Example 8 Sulfuric 0.5 2.0 84 1.9 acid Example 9 Sulfuric 0.5 2.079 2.0 acid

TABLE 2B Production condition of latex Vinyl Emulsifier polymerComposition of vinyl monomer Part by powder % by mass Type mass Example10 A-10 MMA/BA←MMA/BA Sodium polyoxyethylene (4.5) 1.0 48/2←44/6 laurylether acetate Example 11 A-11 MMA/BA Sodium polyoxyethylene (4.5) 1.085/15 lauryl ether acetate Example 12 A-12 MMA/BA Sodium polyoxyethylene(4.5) 1.0 85/15 lauryl ether acetate Comparative A-13St/αMeSt/PhMA←St/PhMA/MMA/AMA Sodium polyoxyethylene (4.5) 2.0 Example 130/10/10←20/14.88/14.88/0.25 lauryl ether acetate Comparative A-14St/PhMA Dipotassium alkenylsuccinate 1.0 Example 2 87.5/12.5 ComparativeA-15 St/PhMA Dipotassium alkenylsuccinate 1.0 Example 3 87.5/12.5Comparative A-16 St/PhMA Sodium alkyl diphenyl ether 1.0 Example 487.5/12.5 disulfonate Coagulation agent Glass transition Part by Slurrytemperature Acid value Type mass pH (° C.) (mgKOH/g) Example 10 Sulfuric0.5 2.0 84 1.2 acid Example 11 Sulfuric 0.5 2.0 76 1.2 acid Example 12Sulfuric 0.5 2.0 70 1.2 acid Comparative Ca acetate 5.0 6.5 97 2.0Example 1 Comparative Sulfuric 0.5 2.3 97 2.7 Example 2 acid ComparativeCa acetate 5.0 6.5 99 0.3 Example 3 Comparative Ca acetate 5.0 6.9 990.2 Example 4

TABLE 3A Na and K Ca, Mg, and Al Average Vinyl contents contentsmolecular Bulk Free polymer (ppm) (ppm) weight density flow powder Na KTotal Ca Mg Al Total Mn Mw (g/cm³) (g/10 sec) Example 1 A-1 17 1.2 181.4 1.0 0.7 3 20,800 45,400 0.44 23 Example 2 A-2 16 0.3 16 1.0 <0.3<0.6 1 21,900 47,300 0.39 30 Example 3 A-3 28 <0.3 28 <0.6 <0.3 0.6 119,800 48,300 0.40 28 Example 4 A-4 15 <0.3 15 1.0 <0.3 <0.6 1 19,60052,800 0.47 22 Example 5 A-5 27 <0.3 27 1.1 <0.3 2.8 4 19,800 43,5000.44 26 Example 6 A-6 36 0.5 37 1 <0.3 <0.6 1 22,100 45,800 0.36 22Example 7 A-7 24 <0.3 24 <0.6 <0.3 <0.6 0 19,200 45,200 0.42 28 Example8 A-8 38 <0.3 38 <0.6 <0.3 <0.6 0 20,400 51,900 0.37 27 Example 9 A-9 51<0.3 51 <0.6 <0.3 <0.6 0 21,900 59,700 0.44 36

TABLE 3B Na and K Ca, Mg, and Al Average Vinyl contents contentsmolecular Bulk Free polymer (ppm) (ppm) weight density flow powder Na KTotal Ca Mg Al Total Mn Mw (g/cm³) (g/10 sec) Example 10 A-10 7 6 13<0.6 <0.3 <0.6 0 192,000 1,070,000 0.36 26 Example 11 A-11 6 6 12 <0.6<0.3 <0.6 0 390,000 3,320,000 0.34 26 Example 12 A-12 7 6 13 <0.6 <0.3<0.6 0 291,000 812,000 0.34 25 Comparative A-13 4.8 0.4 5 680 1.2 0.6682 18,100 42,400 0.37 15 Example 1 Comparative A-14 5.3 15 20 0.6 <0.3<0.6 1 23,000 50,300 0.77 8.3 Example 2 Comparative A-15 1.4 3.0 4 9600.8 2.2 963 23,600 51,000 0.27 15 Example 3 Comparative A-16 9.2 0.3 10400 1.8 1.0 403 23,500 48,500 0.35 17 Example 4

TABLE 4 Abbreviation Compound St Styrene αMeSt α-Methyl styrene MMAMethyl methacrylate PhMA Phenyl methacrylate AMA Allyl methacrylate Caacetate Calcium acetate Na Sodium ion K Potassium ion Ca Calcium ion MgMagnesium ion Al Aluminum ion PC-1 Aromatic polycarbonate resin “IupilonS-2000F” manufactured by Mitsubishi Engineering-Plastics CorporationPC-2 Aromatic polycarbonate resin “Iupilon S-3000F” manufactured byMitsubishi Engineering-Plastics Corporation

Examples 13 to 25 and Comparative Examples 5 to 8

Each material was blended according to Table 5 and Table 6 to obtainpolycarbonate resin compositions. Each resin composition was supplied toa unidirectional biaxial extruder (model name “PCM-30”, manufactured byIKEGAI Corp.) and then melted and kneaded at a barrel temperature of280° C. to obtain a pellet. The obtained pellets were used to evaluatethe properties of the resin compositions, and the evaluation resultswere presented in Table 5 and Table 6. Incidentally, the symbolsdescribed in Table 5 and Table 6 mean the compounds described in Table4.

TABLE 5 Vinyl polymer PC-1 powder YI after Spiral flow % by mass Type %by mass Initial YI retention ΔYI (mm) Example 13 92.5 A-1 7.5 1.9 2.20.3 315 Example 14 92.5 A-2 7.5 1.7 1.9 0.2 329 Example 15 92.5 A-3 7.519.0 19.2 0.2 336 Example 16 90 A-3 10 28.0 28.3 0.3 395 Example 17 92.5A-4 7.5 61.7 61.8 0.1 323 Example 18 92.5 A-5 7.5 25.4 25.5 0.1 375Example 19 92.5 A-6 7.5 2.3 2.8 0.5 351 Example 20 92.5 A-7 7.5 36.435.9 less than 0.1 316 Example 21 92.5 A-8 7.5 58.7 59.0 0.3 279 Example22 92.5 A-9 7.5 90.7 91.8 1.1 325 Comparative 92.5  A-13 7.5 30.3 37.87.5 449 Example 5 Comparative 92.5  A-14 7.5 2.4 4.9 2.5 330 Example 6Comparative 92.5  A-15 7.5 2.8 5.8 3.0 355 Example 7 Comparative 92.5 A-16 7.5 2.2 5.2 3.0 364 Example 8

TABLE 6 Vinyl polymer PC-2 powder YI after Melt tension % by mass Type %by mass Initial YI retention ΔYI (mN) Example 23 97 A-10 3 −12.4 −13.0less than 0.1 1.8 Example 24 97 A-11 3 −9.8 −10.5 less than 0.1 2.3Example 25 97 A-12 3 −12.7 −12.4 0.3 2.3

As clearly seen from Examples 1 to 12, the vinyl polymer powder of theinvention was excellent in powder property. Moreover, as clearly seenfrom Examples 13 to 25, the resin composition blended with the vinylpolymer powder of the invention was excellent in molding processability,was less likely colored even when the resin composition is molded afterbeing retained under high temperature, and was excellent in thermalstability at the time of high-temperature molding.

In the vinyl polymer powders of Comparative Examples 1, 3, and 4, sincea calcium salt was used for coagulation of the vinyl polymer latex,calcium ions were contained in more than 350 ppm, and as a result, thepowder property was poor. In addition, since the vinyl polymer powder ofComparative Example 2 was polymerized in the presence of an emulsifierother than the non-ionic/anionic emulsifier and was coagulated usingsulfuric acid, the acid value was high and the powder property was poor.Further, since the resin compositions of Comparative Examples 5, 7, and8 were blended with the vinyl polymer powder containing more than 350ppm of calcium ions, thermal stability was poor. Since the resincomposition of Comparative Example 6 was blended with the vinyl polymerpowder having a high acid value, thermal stability was poor.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

According to the invention, it is possible to provide a vinyl polymerpowder which is mixed with an engineering plastic so that a resincomposition having excellent molding processability and high thermalstability at the time of high-temperature molding can be obtained andwhich is also excellent in powder property. In addition, it is possibleto provide a thermoplastic resin composition having excellent moldingprocessability and high thermal stability at the time ofhigh-temperature molding and a molded body using the same.

The molded body of the invention is useful in representative fields suchas the OA equipment field, the electrical/electronic equipment field,and the building material field, and in a wide range of other fields.

EXPLANATIONS OF LETTERS OR NUMERALS

40 TRAY

41 SEAT

42 SHUTTER

43 FUNNEL

44 SUPPORT

45 SUPPORT ROD

1. A vinyl polymer powder comprising a vinyl polymer, wherein a glasstransition temperature of the vinyl polymer is 0° C. or higher (providedthat, when there are a plurality of glass transition points, all of theglass transition temperatures are 0° C. or higher), the total content ofmagnesium ions, calcium ions, aluminum ions, barium ions, and zinc ionsis 350 ppm or less with respect to the total mass of the vinyl polymerpowder, the content of ammonium ions is 100 ppm or less with respect tothe total mass of the vinyl polymer powder, an acid value is 2.5 mgKOH/gor less, and a bulk density is 0.10 to 0.60 g/cm³.
 2. The vinyl polymerpowder according to claim 1, wherein free flow property as measured bythe following method is 15 g/10 sec or more, wherein [Measurement Methodfor Free Flow Property] a measurement instrument, which includes a seaton which a tray is set, a funnel provided with a shutter at acylindrical opening thereof, a support holding the funnel above theseat, and a support rod to which the support is fixed, is placed in ahorizontal site; the shutter of the funnel is closed, and 120 cm³ ofpowder is uniformly put into the funnel; subsequently, the shutter isopened to drop the powder, and immediately, the tray is set on the seat;at the same time of setting the tray, the counting of time starts byusing a stopwatch, and after 10 seconds, the tray is removed from themeasurement instrument; the tray containing the powder is weighed toobtain the amount of the powder dropped for 10 seconds; and the abovemeasurement is carried out two times, and an average value of theamounts of the powder dropped for 10 seconds is obtained and this valueis designated as the free flow property (g/10 sec).
 3. The vinyl polymerpowder according to claim 1, wherein the total content of sodium ionsand potassium ions is 100 ppm or less with respect to the total mass ofthe vinyl polymer powder.
 4. The vinyl polymer powder according to claim1, wherein the vinyl polymer contains a (meth)acrylate ester unit whichcontains an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or an aromatic groupin an ester moiety.
 5. The vinyl polymer powder according to claim 1,wherein 0.5 to 99.5% by mass of an aromatic vinyl monomer unit iscontained in the total mass of the monomer unit that constitutes thevinyl polymer.
 6. The vinyl polymer powder according to claim 1, whereina mass average molecular weight of the vinyl polymer is 5,000 to20,000,000.
 7. The vinyl polymer powder according to claim 1, wherein amass average molecular weight of the vinyl polymer is 5,000 to 200,000.8. A thermoplastic resin composition comprising: 70 to 99.9% by mass ofan engineering plastic; and 0.1 to 30% by mass of the vinyl polymerpowder according to claim
 9. The thermoplastic resin compositionaccording to claim 8, wherein the engineering plastic is at least oneresin selected from polyamide, polyester, and polycarbonate.
 10. Amolded body being formed by molding the thermoplastic resin compositionaccording to claim
 8. 11. A vinyl polymer powder comprising: 5 to 99.5%by mass of a (meth)acrylate ester unit which contains an alkyl grouphaving 1 to 4 carbon atoms or an aromatic group in an ester moiety; 5 to99.5% by mass of an aromatic vinyl monomer unit; and a vinyl polymerhaving a glass transition temperature of 0° C. or higher (provided that,when there are a plurality of glass transition points, all of the glasstransition temperatures are 0° C. or higher), wherein the vinyl polymerpowder satisfies the following Conditions [1] and [2]; Condition [1]: abulk density as measured according to JIS K6720 is 0.30 to 0.60 g/cm³;Condition [2]: free flow property as measured by the following method is15 g/10 sec or more; [Measurement Method for Free Flow Property] ameasurement instrument, which includes a seat on which a tray is set, afunnel provided with a shutter at a cylindrical opening thereof, asupport holding the funnel above the seat, and a support rod to whichthe support is fixed, is placed in a horizontal site; the shutter of thefunnel is closed, and 120 cm³ of powder is uniformly put into thefunnel; subsequently, the shutter is opened to drop the powder, andimmediately, the tray is set on the seat; at the same time of settingthe tray, the counting of time starts by using a stopwatch, and after 10seconds, the tray is removed from the measurement instrument; the traycontaining the powder is weighed to obtain the amount of the powderdropped for 10 seconds; and the above measurement is carried out twotimes, and an average value of the amounts of the powder dropped for 10seconds is obtained and this value is designated as the free flowproperty (g/10 sec).
 12. A method for producing a vinyl polymer powder,the method comprising the following Step (1) and Step (2); Step (1): astep of obtaining a vinyl polymer latex having a glass transitiontemperature of 0° C. or higher (provided that, when there are aplurality of glass transition points, all of the glass transitiontemperatures are 0° C. or higher) by subjecting a vinyl monomer toemulsion polymerization in the presence of a non-ionic/anionicemulsifier; and Step (2): a step of preparing a slurry having a pH of 6or less by coagulating the vinyl polymer latex, then generating aprecipitate, and recovering the precipitate as a vinyl polymer powder.13. The method for producing a vinyl polymer powder according to claim12, wherein an ionic hydrophilic moiety of the non-ionic/anionicemulsifier is carboxylic acid or a salt thereof, or phosphoric acid or asalt thereof.
 14. The method for producing a vinyl polymer powderaccording to claim 12, wherein the vinyl polymer latex is coagulatedusing an acid in Step (2).
 15. The method for producing a vinyl polymerpowder according to claim 12, wherein a pH of the slurry in Step (2) is4 or less.
 16. A thermoplastic resin composition comprising: 70 to 99.9%by mass of an engineering plastic; and 0.1 to 30% by mass of the vinylpolymer powder according to claim
 2. 17. A thermoplastic resincomposition comprising: 70 to 99.9% by mass of an engineering plastic;and 0.1 to 30% by mass of the vinyl polymer powder according to claim 3.18. A thermoplastic resin composition comprising: 70 to 99.9% by mass ofan engineering plastic; and 0.1 to 30% by mass of the vinyl polymerpowder according to claim
 4. 19. A thermoplastic resin compositioncomprising: 70 to 99.9% by mass of an engineering plastic; and 0.1 to30% by mass of the vinyl polymer powder according to claim
 5. 20. Athermoplastic resin composition comprising: 70 to 99.9% by mass of anengineering plastic; and 0.1 to 30% by mass of the vinyl polymer powderaccording to claim 6.